Who are the Best IFS Therapists in Cleveland, OH?

If you've ever felt like there are different parts within you all trying to be heard at once, you're not alone. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a compassionate path to bringing harmony to both your inner world and your external relationships.

As an IFS-trained therapist in both Ohio and New York, I specialize in working with trauma survivors, children of immigrants navigating cultural conflicts, women affected by diet culture, activists experiencing burnout, and individuals from marginalized communities. 

My approach integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with somatic experiencing, EMDR, and intuitive eating to help clients process trauma, strengthen bodily awareness, and build healthier relationships. 

If you're looking for a therapist who brings a multicultural, anti-oppressive lens to your healing journey, I'd love to connect for a free clarity call to explore working together.

At the same time, I recognize that there are some situations where I may not be the best fit. That’s why I created this list of other local IFS therapists so you can find the right therapeutic match for your unique situation.

5 of the best Cleveland IFS therapists

All of these provider listings have been sourced from the official directory on the IFS Institute website.

1. William Washington

William is a Level 3 trained IFS clinician. I recommend considering his practice, Washington Wellness Institute, if you’re looking for services I don’t offer, such as couples therapy, group therapy, or hypnotherapy.

2. David Brinkman-Sull

David is a Level 3 trained IFS clinician. He is a licensed clinical psychologist who can accept Medicare, so if you have that insurance plan and need an in-network IFS therapist, he may be a good fit. 

3. Magaly Passos-Hoke

Magaly is a Level 2 trained IFS clinician. I recommend contacting her practice, Mosaic Institute, if you need therapy services provided in Portuguese or Spanish (in addition to English) or need a therapist who works with children.

4. John Petry

John is a Level 1 trained IFS clinician. He has a background in theology and integrates IFS principles along with Catholic theology, so if you’re looking for therapy that also draws on your Catholic faith, his virtual practice, Radiant Heart Counseling, could be a good fit.

5. Rivkah Reichler

Rivkah is a Level 3 trained IFS clinician and approved IFS Clinical Consultant. Her virtual practice also offers psychedelic integration in addition to IFS, so I recommend contacting her if you need that particular service

FAQs about IFS therapy

• What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?

  Internal Family Systems therapy is a compassionate approach that recognizes we all have an inner family of parts—like a committee of different voices within us, each with unique perspectives, feelings, and intentions. 

  These parts typically fall into three categories: managers (who keep us functioning day-to-day), firefighters (who rush in to distract us from pain), and exiles (who carry our wounded experiences). 

  At the core of this system is the Self—a calm, curious presence naturally capable of healing and harmony. 

  Rather than seeing symptoms as problems, IFS views them as protective adaptations. By getting to know these parts with curiosity rather than criticism, you can transform your relationship with yourself and create more internal (and external) peace.

• Who is IFS therapy best for?

  IFS therapy can be a great fit for anyone seeking deeper self-understanding and inner harmony, especially if you're navigating the aftermath of trauma, complex family dynamics, or self-doubt. 

  You might notice yourself carrying certain patterns—perhaps a fierce inner critic, a tendency to put others' needs before your own, or difficulty setting boundaries. These are all signs of different "parts" working hard to protect you in ways that may no longer serve you. 

  The beautiful thing about IFS is that it honors these parts with compassion while helping you reconnect with your natural state of calm, curiosity, and courage—what we call your "Self energy."

• How can IFS therapy help me?

  IFS therapy invites you to develop a relationship with all aspects of yourself—even the ones that might feel scary or overwhelming right now. 

  Together, we'll gently explore your internal landscape, getting to know the protective parts that may have been working overtime and the wounded parts holding pain from the past. 

  As we access your innate Self energy—that place of wisdom and compassion within you—you'll learn to become a loving witness to your own experience. 

  Many clients discover a profound sense of relief as they realize that even their most challenging emotions and behaviors make perfect sense given their life experiences. From this place of self-understanding, new possibilities emerge for healing old wounds and creating more fulfilling relationships both within yourself and with others.

• How long does it take IFS to work?

  Many people experience meaningful shifts within 8-12 sessions as they begin to recognize their parts and access their Self energy. 

  You might notice smaller victories early on—perhaps a little more space between a triggering event and your reaction, or a growing sense of compassion for parts you once criticized. For deeper healing, especially with complex trauma, we may work together longer, celebrating milestones along the way. 

  Throughout our work, I'll check in regularly about what you're noticing, and we'll collaborate to ensure you're moving toward your goals in a way that feels supportive rather than overwhelming. Your healing journey is as unique as you are, and I honor the pace that feels right for your system.

• What is your approach to IFS therapy?

  I believe that at your core, you are whole, wise, and capable of healing, and my approach to IFS therapy flows from this deep trust in your innate capacity for growth. 

  Together, we'll create a space where all parts of you are welcome and none are judged or rushed. I bring genuine curiosity and warmth to our exploration of your internal system, helping you identify when different parts are present and what they might need. 

  My background in somatic experiencing enhances our work by incorporating your body's wisdom, while my multicultural lens acknowledges how systems of oppression may have impacted your parts. 

  Throughout our journey together, I'll be both your guide and your companion, offering gentle support as you develop a more compassionate relationship with all aspects of yourself.

• How do I choose the best IFS therapist for me?

  Finding the right IFS therapist is about discovering someone who not only has the technical training but also feels like a trusted companion for your inner journey. 

  When you speak with potential therapists, notice how your body and heart respond to their presence. Do you feel seen and respected? Is there a sense that this person can hold space for all parts of you without judgment? 

  The most skilled IFS therapist for you will understand both the universal aspects of our internal systems and the unique ways your cultural background, life experiences, and identities have shaped yours. 

  I invite you to trust your intuition during our initial conversation—your parts will let you know if we're a good match for walking this healing path together.

Start working with an IFS therapist in Cleveland today

Taking the first step toward healing can feel challenging, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. As an IFS-trained therapist in Cleveland, I offer a warm, engaging environment where we can explore your internal system with compassion and curiosity. 

Whether you're struggling with trauma, life transitions, cultural conflicts, or simply seeking greater self-understanding, IFS therapy provides powerful tools for transformation. Reach out today for a free clarity call, and let's discuss how we might work together to help all parts of you feel seen, heard, and valued on your path to wholeness.